How to Get YouTube on Your Roku TV

The fastest way to add YouTube to Roku

YouTube comes built into most Roku TVs made in the last five years, so check your home screen first — look for the YouTube icon in your app row. If it is not there, go to the Roku home screen, select Search Channels, type "YouTube", and select the official YouTube app from the results. Press the button to add it, and it will appear on your home screen within seconds.

If you own an older Roku TV or a Roku streaming device (not a Roku TV), the same process works: navigate to the channel store, search for YouTube, and add it. The app is free and requires no subscription to watch — you only need a YouTube account if you want to sign in to see your subscriptions and watch history.

Once the app is installed, open it and you will see the YouTube home feed. If you want your recommendations and subscriptions to appear, select Sign In and enter your Google account credentials using your remote or a companion app on your phone.

Key Takeaways

YouTube is built into most Roku TVs and can be found on the home screen or added free from the Roku Channel Store in under a minute.
You do not need to sign in to watch YouTube — you can browse and play videos without an account, though your watch history will not save.
Signing in with your Google account lets you see your subscriptions, saved playlists, and personalized recommendations on your TV.
If YouTube does not appear in your channel store, your Roku device may be too old; check the Roku website to see if your model is supported.

What to do if YouTube is not on your Roku home screen

Some Roku TVs ship without YouTube pre-installed, even though the hardware supports it. The channel store is the only place to find it. From your Roku home screen, scroll to the top and select Search Channels. Type "YouTube" using your remote's keyboard or voice search, and the official YouTube app (published by Google) will appear at the top of the results.

Select it and press the button labeled Add Channel. The app will read and install in the background — this usually takes 10 to 30 seconds depending on your internet speed. Once it finishes, YouTube will appear on your home screen, usually at the end of your app row. You can move it closer to the front by highlighting it, pressing Options, and selecting Move Channel.

Signing in with your Google account

Signing in is optional but recommended if you watch YouTube regularly. Open the YouTube app, scroll down to the bottom of the home feed, and select Sign In. Your Roku will display a code on the screen — write this code down or take a photo of it.

On your phone or computer, go to youtube.com/set up and enter the code. Then sign in with your Google account. Your Roku will automatically recognize the sign-in and load your subscriptions, watch history, and recommendations within a few seconds. You will not have to enter your password on the TV itself.

If you do not want to sign in, you can still watch YouTube — just search for videos by title or channel name, and your watch history will not be saved to your account.

Roku devices that support YouTube

YouTube works on nearly all Roku TVs and streaming devices made since 2014, but very old models may not have it available in the channel store. If you search for YouTube and it does not appear, your device is likely too old to support the current version of the app.

To check your Roku model, go to Settings > System > About and note the model number. Visit the Roku support website and search for your model number — the page will list which apps and features it supports. If YouTube is not listed, you can still watch YouTube on that TV by connecting a separate streaming device like a Roku Express or Roku Streaming Stick, which are inexpensive and widely available.

Using the Roku mobile app to control YouTube

The official Roku mobile app (available on iOS and Android) lets you control YouTube on your TV without using the physical remote. read the app, connect it to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku, and select your TV from the list of devices. You can then use your phone's keyboard to search for videos and type comments — much faster than using the remote's on-screen keyboard.

The mobile app also lets you cast videos from your phone to your Roku TV. Open a video in the YouTube app on your phone, tap the cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol), select your Roku TV, and the video will play on the big screen. This is useful if you find a video on your phone and want to watch it on your TV without searching again.

Troubleshooting YouTube on Roku

If YouTube crashes, loads slowly, or shows a black screen, restart the app first: press the Home button on your remote, highlight YouTube, press Options, and select Remove Channel. Then go back to the channel store, search for YouTube, and add it again. This usually fixes playback problems.

If videos buffer constantly, your internet connection may be too slow. Run a speed test on your phone or computer — YouTube needs at least 2.5 Mbps for standard definition and 5 Mbps for high definition. If your speed is lower, move your Roku closer to your Wi-Fi router or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

If you signed in but your subscriptions are not showing, sign out and sign back in. Go to the YouTube app, scroll to the bottom, select your account icon, and choose Sign Out. Then repeat the sign-in process using youtube.com/set up.

YouTube Premium and YouTube TV on Roku

The standard YouTube app is free and shows ads. If you have a YouTube Premium subscription (a paid service), you can sign in with that account and ads will not appear. YouTube Premium costs money and is separate from the free YouTube app — you do not need it to watch YouTube on Roku.

YouTube TV is a different service from YouTube — it is a live TV streaming service that requires a paid subscription. It has its own app in the Roku channel store and is not included with the free YouTube app. If you are looking for live TV, search for "YouTube TV" in the channel store, but know that it requires a subscription to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for YouTube on Roku?

No. The YouTube app is free to read and use. You can watch videos without signing in or paying anything. YouTube Premium (an optional paid service that removes ads) costs extra and is not required.

Can I cast YouTube from my phone to my Roku TV?

Yes. Open a video in the YouTube app on your phone, tap the cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner), select your Roku TV, and the video will play on your TV. Your phone becomes a remote control while the video plays.

What if YouTube does not show up in the channel store?

Your Roku device may be too old to support the current YouTube app. Check your model number in Settings > System > About, then visit the Roku support website to see if YouTube is listed as supported. If not, you can buy an inexpensive Roku streaming device that does support it.

Will my watch history save if I do not sign in?

No. Without signing in, YouTube will not save your watch history, recommendations, or subscriptions on your Roku TV. Signing in with your Google account is the only way to keep that information. You can still watch videos without signing in — they just will not be saved.

Why is YouTube buffering on my Roku?

Your internet connection is likely too slow. YouTube needs at least 2.5 Mbps for standard definition video. Run a speed test on your phone, and if your speed is lower, move your Roku closer to your Wi-Fi router or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.